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16 Jun 02 - 01:17 AM (#730793) Subject: Where do I go in Ireland? From: drummergirl Hi there. I have enjoyed reading messages on this board for quite awhile, but this is my first post. I am going with my family (my parents who are in their late 40's and my brother who is 21) to Ireland in July and I was hoping for some advice about places to see good live trad music (and any other must see cultural experiences). We will be renting a house in Lahinch July 4-18. Some things that we are already thinking of doing are: seeing some of the sessions at the Willie Clancy festival; a one day bike tour of the Dingle peninsula; and even visiting some of the tourist traps like Bunratty castle and Killarney national park. We will see some of the touristy stuff, but would really like to experience the traditional Ireland that isn't in the guidebooks also. We want to see some trad music and go on hikes around ancient settlements and just plain see Ireland (so, we will be willing to go all around the country)I have seen other people ask for places to go and they have gotten some great responses. Thanks in advance for all your help! |
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16 Jun 02 - 01:50 AM (#730802) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST Loads of threads on this topic before:
For starters,
If you want more, put Ireland in the 'Filter' and you find lots more
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16 Jun 02 - 04:23 AM (#730825) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: Mr Red I put a link or two on my site because they asked Irish set dancing *** **** Everything that is Irish-music.net*** *** Irish Music Magazine** ** Irish harp.net From folk contacts in Co Mayo Ireland cresby.com see "other links". |
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16 Jun 02 - 06:34 AM (#730858) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,dreoilin Check out this place when in Dingle www.dingle-region.com/dinglemusic.htm Its located on The Conor Pass , which is a scienic route from Tralee into Dingle. If you're on a bike , you'll need more than one day here. There's a lot to see in a small area. Sláinte! |
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16 Jun 02 - 03:05 PM (#731005) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: Raggytash It's a fair old trek from Lahinch to Dingle, it will take best part of a day to get there. Even using the "major roads" some of the minor roads are so minor they're infants. I would estimate approx 4 hours to Dingle, if not more. Ther's plenty to see and do from Lahinch, mostly to the north, however note that Doolin can be as busy as Blackpool especially at Weekends. Ennis the nearest town in a beautiful place. Visit the Friary, the carvings on the McMahon graves are superb You'll have a great time and don't worry about your parents I'm in my late forties too, and can still get around without my Zimmer! |
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16 Jun 02 - 05:25 PM (#731068) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: diesel Howya drummergirl - 2 weeks here is not bad at all ! Hopefully the weather improves by the time you travel - lousy at the moment. For music and touristy things - you've already got a great start in Lahinch - really not much more can be added to your itinerary, maybe however a boat trip out to the Arran Isles or visits to Achill or Moher - pure scenery.... Galway city is not very far - (actually nowhere is very far - everywhere in Ireland is reachable in a few hours )- and has a great 'buzz'to it.Not bad for shops and drink too. Don't be afraid to get absolutely drunk at least one night whilst here - maybe you do or don't at home but at least once you must here... I would love to say visit the North for some of the 'cultural' experience - but NO - 'tis definitely a no-go area for Irish reg. cars - watch the TV for news - it's the height of the 'marching' season there when you arrive - make up your own mind - but my advise is don't go. On a more positive note - drive to Galway and get a bus to Dublin. Stay in a B+B, and return same way next day - great city with absolutely loads to see - maybe stay the weekend ? Don't knock the tourist trap of Bunratty - fabulous place to see - yes it is a themed folk park - but still so good - book ahead to attend the banquet at night. But simply - come with an open mind and don't expect much - you'll go away with your own individual memories no guide book can give you - enjoy and Failte Diesel |
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16 Jun 02 - 06:24 PM (#731100) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: THE MAJOR Pity you are not going during September then I would reccommend Lisdoonvarna in County Clare when the whole month of September is devoted to Irish festivals |
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16 Jun 02 - 06:41 PM (#731107) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,islander Disregard all the above advice until after you have visited the island of Inishbofin of the County galway coast. (Not one of the aran islands. There is no place better for a true cultural experience or for music and craic, especially at the weekends. N>B> Book accommodation asap. Hostel, B&B, and hotel available. ps. Dingle is more like 2 hours from Lahinch if you take the ferry across the river Shannon |
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16 Jun 02 - 07:30 PM (#731126) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: Bev and Jerry Drummergirl:
We spent three weeks in Ireland in May (our second trip) and we drove nearly 2000 miles which is a foot (a singular feat) since the entire island is about 200 by 300 miles. The best advice for American tourists is:
Nothing goes the way you planned it, nothing occurs at the appointed time, and, with luck, you will get lost at least once a day. Bev and Jerry |
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16 Jun 02 - 07:45 PM (#731131) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: diesel Did I forget to remind you that road signs - if you find them are in Both Irish and English - the distances and speed limits in Kilometres yet the speedometer in the cars in miles ?? Great place Ireland. You never said from where you are travelling ? Diesel |
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16 Jun 02 - 08:36 PM (#731154) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: Bev and Jerry Diesel:
The road signs that do exist are in Irish and English but in some places, such as Connemara, they don't always bother with the English. Also, the distances were marked in kilometers but the speed limits were in miles per hour. The speedometer on our rental car was in both miles and kilometers per hour.
Distances on maps were in kilometers (we think) but the maps are, well, impressionistic to say the least. We think their maps were drawn by a man named Monet or perhaps it was Picasso. Sometimes we weren't sure if we were lost or not! Bev and Jerry |
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16 Jun 02 - 09:04 PM (#731163) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: alison contrary to the advice above...... you don't have to avoid the North because of Irish number plates... yes it will be marching season.... and yes there will be trouble (there always is).... but if you are sensible about where you visit you'll be OK....... eg. don't go near the marches or park it in Sandy Row, or Portadown (strong Loyalist areas)...etc..... you can usually tell what sort of area you are in from the murals on the walls and the colour of the kerb stones (avoid red, white, and blue)..... doing the touristy stuff like going up the Antrim Coast road and visiting the Giant's Causeway, seeing the Mournes, wouldn't be a problem... having said that...... you will already be staying in a beautiful area of the country.... my advice is... get a boat out to Skellig Michael (Great Skellig)..... if you want to see ancient sites... you can't beat this one... even for sheer setting alone it is an amazing experience... slainte alison |
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16 Jun 02 - 09:27 PM (#731174) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: diesel I knew I'ld get into trouble for saying that - But please use common sense where you go ( though if visiting the Giants causeway - be sure to visit Bushmills down the road as well ) I could list the places to avoid in Dublin as well ( and that's all year round not just a season..) - but if you're staying west or Dublin for just a night - then no need. 2 weeks is a good time - I just wonder how you'll fit it all in ? enjoy Diesel |
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16 Jun 02 - 10:12 PM (#731189) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST I agree with Alison about the north. Just go if you get that far north. However, why would you bother when you can get to Willie Week? |
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17 Jun 02 - 06:01 AM (#731320) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,Martin Ryan Drummergirl Definitely get to Miltowm Malbay for the Willy Clancy Week if at all possible. The weekends are pretty hectic so try midweek. Plenty of sessions during the day, in all the pubs (bar one - and that's a secret!). There's an excellent singing concert on the Friday afternoon (English and Gaelic). Apart from that, Marrinan's pub in the main street is the main singers' hangout. Enjoy. Regards p.s. Among the various classes run in the morning, there's a "Singing Workshop" run by Ian Lee and Brian Mullen. Not singing classes but illustrated talks about the singing tradition, with lots of good singers brought in to demonstrate. I recommend it - and you can just join in for one morning, if you like. |
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17 Jun 02 - 06:30 AM (#731331) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: Declan I agree with Martin. If you like traditional Irish Music and singing there's no better place to be in Ireland in the week of 6-13 July than Miltown Malbay, and its a very short journey from Lahinch. It starts getting a bit overcrowded and messy from Friday onwards, but there's still usually good music at the week-end if you can find it. I might see you there. |
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17 Jun 02 - 06:51 AM (#731339) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar Don't try to see too many places, pick two or three and savour them. Don't be too swayed by the local loyalties of Mudcatters into trying to visit too many places or you'll spend the whole holiday in the car feeling frustrated (and carsick). Most roads (especially in places like West Clare) still have a lot of "character", and it will take a lot longer than you think to get from anywhere to anywhere. Make a provisional list of possible destinations on the basis of advice from Mudcat and elsewhere, and ask the people in your Bed and Breakfast for a reality check about what is really achievable. They are well used to dealing with over-ambitious travel plans by first-time visitors and are just about universally friendly and helpful. You can probably go most of the day on the B&B breakfast alone, but remember that sessions generally go on till late at night, so the effective day gets shorter and shorter as an early start becomes more and more difficult as the holiday goes on. |
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17 Jun 02 - 06:58 AM (#731341) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,Martin Ryan That (wise) comment on the roads reminds me of one on a tourist road map I saw recently which said: "In Ireland, cars drive on the left - except in rural areas, where they tend to stick to the centre."! Regards |
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17 Jun 02 - 03:33 PM (#731609) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: Raggytash Just to put the distance from Lahinch to Dingle in context, the physical ditance is about 75 miles give or take. True given decent roads this is easily achievable in 2 hours. However you also have to consider the ferry crossing, the time waiting for the ferry, loading the ferry, unloading the ferry, that bloody caravan doing 25 miles an hour on a narrow winding road etc etc. There is plenty to see and do closer to Lahinch, do that justice and plan the next trip to the Dingle peninsula would be my considered advice. hope you have a great time. Post a thread to say how you went on |
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18 Jun 02 - 10:49 AM (#732202) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,Ireland First can I say to Alison that your post was the most sectarian statement I have heard, you should be ashamed. Avoid red white and blue, your a sectarian joke, get of the backs of people in N.Ireland and try to let them live a normal life. Not to put people off but to show how blatently sectarian you are Alison I'll offer this example of Nat/rep or green white and gold area treat visitors - a group of people kicked the living daylight out of Austrialian tourist- they thought they were protestants going home after a night out. I drove through an area in the Mourne's with English number plates in a RV and got peltted with stones and eggs, I went back in my own car an hour later saw the same people and nothing happened,trouble comes from the minority of neanderthals on both sides. So you see alison its from thugs on both sides and both set of colours people should be wary off. slainte To put things into perspective you are more likely to get your car stolen in Dublin, Irish number plates or not,than on the Sandy Row or Portadown. But then people who visit certain parts of America take greater risks, it is a sad part of life. There are many honest good hearted genuine music loving,people loving people than there are terrorist thugs.There will be a friendly welcome for visitors to N.Ireland, I can be included with them. I live in a "red white blue" area do not riot I keep to the law of the land have many friends who are catholic and like me want nothing to do with the image protrayed by the ignorance of others. There is a lot more people that get along with each other than those who don't so do not be worried about coming to N.Ireland. The problem with visiting Ireland is the lack of knowledge people have but still offer it, since you are going to visit after the 12 July most of the parades are over and many people are on holiday,so N.Ireland can be a pretty empty place in some areas, that would be the best time to come up north. Do not be afraid or put off just use common sense as you would visiting any part of the world. The north coast is one of the most beautiful drives on earth and should not be missed, the Ulster Folk and Transport museum hold folk nights and the Ulster American Folk park is popular with most Americans, well worth a visit. Try emailing the B+B's in the area you want to go to my wife does that, they return a wealth of information from what goes on locally and which are the best tourist sites etc. More importantly they will point you in the right directions for music nights and help you avoid the bad ones. Do not let the political rhetoric put you off as I said tourists get a friendly welcome and if you do run into naughty loyalists the most harm you will come to is more than likely a big hug you may see N.Ireland for what it is a beautiful place with terrific people, even if that includes sectarian bigots aswell, there is enough good people to cancel them out. No sense in saying have a good time as I know those who come to the island of Ireland usually do and you will be no exception to the rule. |
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18 Jun 02 - 11:13 AM (#732213) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: alison you've got me wrong Guest. I too lived in "red white and blue" areas..... I too am one of those who did not riot..... I am also one of those who got persecuted whilst living in protestant area (as a protestant)for refusing to subscribe to loyalist magasines and therefore giving money to fund activities I do not belive in..... I've had stones thrown at me and my house.... so don't judge me please... I wrote the comment as a guideline to someone who didn't want to get into the "wrong area" in a car with Irish number plates... had the same question been asked by someone with English number plates I would have said avoid "green white and gold" footpaths...... certainly it is an over generalisation.... but for a stranger to the area who is worried it is a good guideline to what "territory" you are in...... if you have read any of my posts about home (Belfast for 25 years)... I recommend that people do visit Belfast and the North, I think it is a wonderful part of the country, all the scenery you can find in the rest of Ireland, all containtained in a small area. as I keep telling people here who ask questions like "was it really bad living in the troubles and getting shot at all the time?" for the most part life was good..... Belfast is like anywhere else... there are places you should try to avoid as there might be trouble...... it is the same for any city...... the people of Ireland are working for peace... I hope they get it.... but you and I both know it is going to be a long hard process.... and in the meantime people still need to be careful to avoid "hot spots"... I believe Drummergirl will have a great holiday, and yes you are right, no matter where you go the majority of people will be friendly and helpful........ if my comments offended you... I am sorry slainte alison |
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18 Jun 02 - 11:30 AM (#732220) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST What a load of BS, as I keep telling people here who ask questions like "was it really bad living in the troubles and getting shot at all the time?" for the most part life was good. There is more to N.Ireland than Belfast and there is more to Belfast than small areas that dominate the news to give the world the sick view of N.Ireland most want to report. I have never been shot at nor seen a bomb go off never personally witnessed a riot or any sectarian BS or lost a member of my family due to any involvement with terrorists groups nor paid a single penny to any magasines or flags in my 40 years in N.Ireland and I live 10 miles from Belfast. Put simply I followed my G.parents example and shunned those who got involved in any of that rubbish |
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18 Jun 02 - 11:39 AM (#732228) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST What a load of BS, as I keep telling people here who ask questions like "was it really bad living in the troubles and getting shot at all the time?" for the most part life was good. There is more to N.Ireland than Belfast and there is more to Belfast than small areas that dominate the news to give the world the sick view of N.Ireland most want to report. As a civilian I have never been shot at nor seen a bomb go off never personally witnessed a riot or any sectarian BS or lost a member of my family due to any involvement with terrorists groups nor paid a single penny to any magasines or flags in my 40 years in N.Ireland and I live 10 miles from Belfast. Put simply I followed my G.parents example and shunned those who got involved in any of that rubbish my children do the same. As a member of the security forces I have been shot,caught up in a bomb, witnessed the worst of our society and witnessed the best which far outway the worst. Get the chip off your shoulder. N.Ireland is no different than any other part of the world it is people making issues out of such things that keep us in the dark. I know many missionaries who have come to Ireland worried that they might get killed in N.Ireland, those who come up from working in the deprived areas of Dublin are glad to get to Belfast and the rest of N.Ireland, simply because it is safer.Their parents breathe a sigh of relief when they write home and tell what it is really like that is just as good and just as bad as any other part of the world. Stop seeing Belfast and its areas as a handicap compared to certain American and English ghettos it heaven. |
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18 Jun 02 - 11:52 AM (#732238) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: alison I agree ...."There is more to N.Ireland than Belfast and there is more to Belfast than small areas that dominate the news to give the world the sick view of N.Ireland most want to report." I haven't been shot at or seen a bomb go off either.... but unfortunately that is the sort of news that gets broadcast to the rest of the world and thats what they think it is all like..... hence the questions..... I tell them I never saw any of that and that I was probably safer there too, less street crime, home invasions etc..... what really annoys me most is the way travel shows over here (and I assume elsewhere) cover it too... any time they show Northern Ireland all you get to see is black taxi rides to see murals.......... and heavily barricaded police stations... none of the scenery...... there is an Irish/Australian comedian Jimeoin (from Portstewart) who did a wonderful show to try to reset the balance he did a "tea-towel tour of Northern Ireland", (sort of like billy connolly's world tour of Scotland)...... and visited the places you usually find depicted on tea towels, like Dunluce, Giants Causeway, Carrickfergus, the Mournes, the scenery was wonderful, the people couldn't have been more friendly...... and any Ozzies I spoke to who had seen it were genuinely surprised, because they had never got to see the normal day to day stuff, and the real people before....... slainte alison |
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18 Jun 02 - 12:31 PM (#732264) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar Poor drummergirl, Hope you're not too bewildered by the fact that alison, GUEST Ireland and GUEST blank are all in agreement with each other, in spite of initial appearances to the contrary. But that's at least as much due to the way messages on a web forum can be misunderstood as it is to the particular character of the Northern Ireland Sitchyation. If you have about thirty-six hours to spare, you could try reading all the Campsite at Drumcree threads, and then you'd be seriously disoriented. I was In Washington DC recently and went for an evening walk near Arlington cemetery. The route which I planned to take back turned out to be for motor traffic only, and I had to detour through an area without having the remotest idea if I was entering a ghetto warzone or not. I was only moderately spooked, and I think I was perfectly safe anyway, but these things do cross your mind when you're in a strange city. As you can see, I survived. Don't let me stop you from visiting Belfast, but frankly I just think it would mean too much travel. I'm a Dubliner myself, and would like you recommend my own home town to you, but frankly I think you'll get a lot more out of the holiday if you don't try to do too much. Much better to get the most of Clare, Limerick city (aka "stab city", but that only involves locals ;) ), the River Shannon and Galway city and environs, maybe cross over to Kerry when you've got the measure of the roads, and save the rest of the country for your next visit. On one of the other similar threads I posted details of a book by Terry Eagleton which is a good read. It won't suggest where to go, but it gives great insights into modern Ireland with ladlefuls of humour. Can't remember if I posted it as APC or as GUEST Roger O'K. Enjoy the trip, and do let us know how you got on.
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18 Jun 02 - 12:45 PM (#732281) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: open mike a pub which has gotten international fame for awesome sessions in "Doolin"--do not know where it is presumably in Doolin.... also--an irish historical figure which always fascinates me is St. Brendan...he sailed to newfoundland way before christopher columbus, or lief erickson...i believe it is said to have been in the sixth century...the Abbey where he was whaile a monk would be a wonderful place to visit...will find more info.....does any one know?? also--there is a cottqge where there is housed a marvelous chat group called Tir Na Nog--a virtual pub which can be accessed thru the web--a treasur of irish culture and a resource - i used to go there- do not know if it is presentlyon line--but it would be a hoot to see the place in person... a thatched roof housing a modern wonder!! |
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18 Jun 02 - 12:50 PM (#732287) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,JohnB I was in Ireland in May with 82 other people from Canada. 48 of us sing in a choir which did 8 concerts during our stay there. We did 3400 miles or Km's, I forget which. We were on a coach, from the South it got egged by a couple of kids on our last night there in Dundalk, that was the total extent of any trouble. High points which I remember off hand, unfortunately Bunratty Castle was closing when we arrived there, what we saw looked good. Cliffs of Moher were nice and scenic. Blarney Castle was good, kissing the Stone is a bit difficult and probably not worth the effort. Buy gifts in the South, they are cheaper there, Blarney Woolen Mills was a good place for that. I forget the name of the House but it has an or the "Irish Famine Museum" attached to it now, really good tour by the lady tour guide very interesting place, great kitchen. Vale of Avoca and Gledalough bloody lovely area. Not enough time in Dublin, never even got to the Guinness Brewery. Book of Kells is a bit of a rip off too, you only get to see one page, can't take photographs inside anywhere. Never got into Trinity College Museum damn. The museums are free in the South too. Wen to the Canadian Embassy, near Dalkey, South of Dublin, what a beautiful setting, we had a reception there, greta nibblies. Bono from U2 lives right across the road, behind these great big electrnic gates. which opened and closed a few times whilst we were there. Enya lives in the Castellated place just up the hill. Achill Island is a beatiful and rugged place. The North end around from the Bushmills Distillery back down to Belfast is incredible. I still don't really believe the Giant's Causeway even though I have seen it with my own eyes. Armagh was the only place I saw police with guns, hand guns shotguns and machine guns, four of all together, never saw any touble though, I wonder why. I was a bit dissapointed with the music I got to hear whilst there, partially because we were in the wrong places on the wrong nights and could not get to anyhwere I wanted to be, it also relates to knowing some really good Celtic musicians in Canada. Also the quality of the gifts, if you are in Canada go to the Goderich Celtic Festival and you will find equal or better of both. IMHO. We did have a good time though, these are just a few bits of the tour. The Guinness was great, so was the food and ALL the people we met from North South East and West. Have fun good luck, JohnB apologies for all the spelling mistakes, especially in place names. |
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18 Jun 02 - 12:51 PM (#732288) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: open mike for those who want to visitireland, but not leave home- go to this site: http://alia.ie/tirnanog/ yes it is stil there--gaelic spoken there-- and english too... |
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18 Jun 02 - 01:00 PM (#732292) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: Declan Doolin isn't a pub its a village, or more precisely I suppose its a parish that has two villages in it. At one end is Roadford where there are two pubs McGanns and Mc Dermotts at the other end (about 3-400 metres down the road) is FisherStreet which has a pier and another pub O'Connors which is probably the best known of the three pubs. O Connors is close to the pier from which you can get a boat to Inis Mean one of the Aran Islands. All three pubs have music every night and sometimes during the day when things are quieter and you can hear things better. Doolin is always worth a visit, it has some fine scenery and lovely views of the Aran Islands on a fine day. However as Open Mike says Doolin is very famous and can be very full of tourists at the time of year you're visiting. While there's nothing wrong with that in itself and everyone is welcome it does mean the pubs can get very crowded and noisy at night. Having said that its a short enough drive from Lahinch (about 20 miles?). Other coastal towns in Clare are also worth visiting including Liscannor, which is a nice place with a few pubs quite close together. While its probably less dependable for music as Doolin you can also find nice music there ocasionally. |
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18 Jun 02 - 01:05 PM (#732296) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: open mike from the tir na nog web site-- "Cyberspace is very, very old. The ancient Irish knew about it. They called it Tír na nÓg (The Land of Youth). Irish legends and myths tell of a land where mortal time was suspended and everyone was young and beautiful. Sounds like cyberspace to me! This is a virtual hangout, with an Irish Mythological and Cultural flavour. The Ancients might have described it as a 'thin place'- a place where the real world and the other world become close. The only physical connection with the real world is a telephone line from an old stone cottage in Cobh, on the shores of Cork Harbour in Ireland. " and here is a little tid bit about st. brendan: "St. Brendan, who was born in Ireland about 489 and founded a monastery at Clonfert, Galway. According to legend, he was in his seventies when he and 17 other monks set out on a westward voyage in a curragh, a wood-framed boat covered in sewn ox-hides. The monks sailed about the North Atlantic for seven years..." a fellow named Tim Severin re-created St. Brendan's voyage about 20 years ago--in the style of Thor Heyerdahl's voyages on ancient-styled vessels.... and to bring this back to a musical note... there is a wonderful song chronicalling the Brendan Voyage--St Brendan's Fair Isle-it is on the data base on this web site... (don't know how to do blue clicky thingy) |
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18 Jun 02 - 01:25 PM (#732314) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,Ireland What Iam trying to get across is this, N.Ireland is not the bogey place people make it out to be, visitors have two choices to make, come and see the real N.Ireland that is, its people,culture on both sides and its music. Or take the tours which immerse you in the past and all the evils that plagued a great people. Personally I recommend that visitors leave the past behind and not to take the cheap thrills option which shows the worst of N.Ireland. When our visitors show that they are not interested in our problems it might help calm things, no one to show off to. |
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18 Jun 02 - 06:56 PM (#732537) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: Joe Offer If you go to Dublin, take a ride from one end to the other on DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit, I guess). On the north end are the headlands of Howth, with a stunning view of a lighthouse and the Irish Sea - and headlands are covered with purple heather and golden gorse. The southern third of the DART line goes right alongside the Irish Sea, and the views are spectacular at sunset. I had lots of wonderful experiences in Ireland last August, but my day on DART was the best of the whole trip (I had lunch with Martin Ryan that day, too). -Joe Offer- |
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19 Jun 02 - 10:55 AM (#732942) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,Allan Dennehy Well, Christy Moore sang: if its music you want, go to Clare. Its not as true as it used to be. The fact is that live unplugged sessions are beginning to dry in a lot of areas, famous places like Doolin can be really packed in July and you had better not suffer from claustrophobia at the Willy Clancy festival. It can take an hour and a half to drive from one end of town to the other, longer to get a drink and youll sleep in a ditch because the accomodation is booked up for miles around. Personally I would rather go to a festival town the week before or the week after. The crack is great and the place isnt as packed. Or else pick a town on the fringes of a festival, say 5 - 10 miles away. Enjoy yourself anyway and just go with the flow. |
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19 Jun 02 - 11:32 AM (#732955) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: Declan Drummergirl, Dont let the above put you off the Willie Clancy summer school. Yes the traffic can be chaotic and it can get a bit crowded at times, but a lot of that goes with the territory, if the music wasn't so good there would be less people there ! Sounds like you already have accommodation sorted in Lahinch so you won't need to resort to the ditch. Not bad advice about hanging around for a few days after though, there can sometimes be nice sessions for a couple of days into the next week. Immediately after Willie week there's a summer school in Tubbercurry in South Sligo and a lot of musicians who survive the Willie week head on up there. It tends to be a bit less hectic than Miltown (although I haven't been for a good few years now). As regards the fringes of the festival a lot of people do head out the road a bit at night when the town starts to get a bit overcrowded, so keep your ears open for sessions in some of the surrounding villages. |
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19 Jun 02 - 03:41 PM (#733122) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: Les from Hull If it's one of those purpose-built houses at the south end, they're very nice - we went there about 8 years ago. There's a few good pubs in Lahinch but the music was usually of the 'hired-in band' variety (in O'Looney's, the Nineteenth, and the hotel on the corner at the south end of the main street). More traditional pubs are Frawley's, and, particularly, the one a few doors up from the Nineteenth, only opening weekends and by request. The birthday bash I had in there was memorable to say the least! There was a traditional session in Ennistymon (and you can walk there from Lahinch). Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the pub - it's in the main street one pub down on the left from the Lahinch road. My partner Maggie and I had a fine time in that session - they even let me play bass guitar! Of course eight years is a long time and everything might have changed, but somehow I doubt it. The people there were wonderful, and writing this has brought back some very happy memories. I hope that you all have a great time and let us know about it when you're holiday's over. Les |
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20 Jun 02 - 02:09 AM (#733433) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: drummergirl Thanks a lot for all the responses! Although I would really like to go up and see things like the Giant's Causeway and the Ulster Folk Park, I don't think we will be going to the North at all. We figure that we will already have a hard enough time trying to see all the stuff on the west coast in 2 weeks! Alison- We just saw that thing on PBS, "In Search of Ancient Ireland" and it showed Skellig Michael. It looks really neat, but as soon as my mom saw that really steep rock jutting out of the water, she said, "we are not going there!" (I guess she is getting a bit of vertigo just thinking about it!) Maybe we'll just leave her in a nearby pub and head over there! Declan - Thanks so much for that link! I has been very helpful. My dad and I are hecka stoked to find out that there is surfing in Lahinch. (We'll have to consider bringing our surfboards and wetsuits.) Thanks again! All of your messages have been very helpful. |
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20 Jun 02 - 02:14 AM (#733436) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: alison it is pretty steep and in some place I thought.... "there's nothing to stop me falling off the side".... but I climbed it with a 6 month old baby round my neck in a sling... so its not that bad!!... if you go to ?Valencia I think there is a visual exhibit thing "the skellig experience" for those who can't or don't want to climb the real thing.... slainte alison |
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20 Jun 02 - 08:09 AM (#733541) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,Ireland All this BS about N.I. and your not even going to go there ach Drummergirl, your going to a beautiful part of the world full of high places and cliffs and things(scary,he he or her her)you will have a good time - oh and yes we do have good surf in Ireland but the best is around the N.East coast, wave at least oh 2-3 ft not tempted. |
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24 Jun 02 - 01:17 AM (#735536) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: drummergirl From what you guys are saying, it sounds like most pubs have live trad music. When I was in Ireland two summers ago, I asked loads of people (in Ireland), and no one knew where there was trad music! That's why I was hoping to ask on here ahead of time, so that I would know where to go. (I've heard its about as hard to find good trad music in a pub as it is to find a good country line dance hall in America) Is it really that easy to find sessions? |
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24 Jun 02 - 04:00 AM (#735575) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: alison a lot of the pubs have "organised" sessions to keep the tourists happy...... the last time I was home we went over to Donegal and went looking only to be told that we were one night too late.... there had been sessions on all through July and August... but we got there on 1st September..... not all the pubs have trad sessions... your best bet is to ask the locals or buy a local paper and see what is on... slainte alison |
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24 Jun 02 - 05:27 AM (#735593) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: Declan Unfortunatley most pubs don't regularly have trad music in them in most parts of the country. In many parts of the country, if you can find live music at all, you are more likely to get a local band playing a mixture of Country & Western Music (Irish Style) and middle of the road pop songs. There are some exceptions to this and West Clare is one of them particularly during 'Willie Week', there are usually a few good sessions in Ennis most nights of the week. Other good spots for music include Galway (City at least), Westport Co Mayo, Sligo, parts of Kerry (including Dingle) and parts of Donegal. Most other parts of the country do have good musicians and good sessions, but they can be a bit harder to find. Its always worth asking around. |
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24 Jun 02 - 12:10 PM (#735788) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,JohnB That's mostly what we found, crap C&W or pretty poor Irish, put on for the tourists. I can get better in Canada. Better Luck, JohnB. |
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25 Jun 02 - 09:31 AM (#736484) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,Ireland We have traditional music in Ulster and the Irish language is spoken every day, well its scots-Irish and the music is the Sash or known in our home as the dd song dddd dd ddd dddddddd - only joking. What about ye? Try this link http://gaeltacht.local.ie/ |
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25 Jun 02 - 02:27 PM (#736666) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: GUEST,Koko I just got back from Ireland yesterday night and I had a blast. We did a lot of running around...we based in Co. Tipperarry (in a small town called Borrisokane, actually) and drove around to Waterford, stayed in the "sunny south east" in Dunmore East and did a day and night in Dublin. Went up for a day in Co. Mayo. We only had 10 days, which is not long enough. But you definitely don't want to be driving a lot. It takes a long time to get ANYWHERE on those tiny roads. The best trad music I heard was in Tipperarry...it really farm country, but then they were legit sit-in sessions. 5-8 guys just show up at a pub and start playing. It was remarkable. |
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26 Jun 02 - 03:02 AM (#737167) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: drummergirl Wow, that does sound like a lot of driving for 10 days! I am glad that you had a great time!!!! |
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27 Jun 02 - 05:43 AM (#738015) Subject: RE: Help: Where do I go in Ireland? From: alison just adding this link in case "Guest, Ireland" pops back again so he can see a few of us waxing lyrical about home finally I made it to Belfast slainte alison |